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45. A large influx of Chinese refugees also occurred particularly during September and October when over 20,000 arrived after hostilities, in the shape of air raids, had spread to South China. The Tung Wah Hospital assisted in making arrangements for a number of these refugees and after the first panic had died down a great many returned whence they had come.
46. The Colony remained fortunately free from anti-Japanese disturbances. With the approval of Government the Commissioner of Police approached the Consul-General for Japan, in regard to the protection of Japanese residents. The Consul-General readily acquiesced to the Police plan for voluntary concentration of Japanese residents in convenient centres. Arrangements were successfully carried out and remained in force for some months. There were no untoward incidents. Many Japanese pursued their normal occupations by day and returned to the concentration centres by night. A large number of Japanese left the Colony for Japan during September.
47. Special Police were detailed for the protection of concentration centres. Normal Police duties were reorganized to provide picquets and additional Police protection in the most important areas.
SPECIAL EVENT (Crime).
48. A feature of the statistics of the year under review has been the prevalence of robberies on boats. The increase in this particular form of outrage can be attributed almost entirely to the present political situation, in so far as goods which previously were carried by launches and ships of the river and coastal type, had to be carried by junks and fisherman-boats, owing to the disruption of normal services. These small boats, usually unarmed, proved an easy prey to persons evilly disposed, for whereas in the past it was impossible for a small number of men to operate from a small fishing boat against a steam launch or coastal vessel, they could do so against boats similar to their own, with promise of considerable gain.
49. Robberies of this type are particularly difficult to deal with successfully. They usually occur a considerable distance from land. The victimised boat is in most cases deprived of all means of propulsion and the robbers return immediately to Chinese territory, which is usually their headquarters. Here often they dispose of the stolen property before Police receive the report of the robbery.
50. Murder.-On the 28th of February, 1937, the Fire Brigade received a call to a fire at No. 328, Reclamation Street, 3rd floor. On arrival at this address a heap of burning charcoal was found on the floor among which was a human body. Examination showed that the body was bound hand and foot. Police were called and enquiries showed that neighbours, attracted to the floor by the smoke, had found a man on the floor who attempted to frustrate any attempts on the part of the ...
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